Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal has intensified his opposition to the Centre's E20 ethanol-blended petrol policy by announcing a protest march scheduled for August 4. Addressing supporters during a town hall event, Kejriwal said he would personally participate in the demonstration, which is planned to move toward the Prime Minister's residence in New Delhi.
According to Kejriwal, the march will begin at around 12 noon, with nearly one hundred participants expected to join him in the initial procession. He urged citizens who oppose the ethanol-blended fuel policy to extend their support and raise their concerns through democratic means.
The former Delhi Chief Minister has previously criticized the Centre's promotion of E20 fuel, expressing concerns over its possible impact on vehicle owners, fuel efficiency, and the additional costs that consumers may face. He argued that major policy decisions affecting millions of motorists should involve wider public consultation and greater transparency.
During the town hall address, Kejriwal also claimed that nearly seven lakh people watched his speech online, describing it as a sign of growing public interest in the issue. He maintained that the protest aims to draw attention to what his party considers shortcomings in the current fuel policy rather than oppose technological progress itself.
The Central Government has promoted ethanol blending as part of its strategy to reduce dependence on imported crude oil, support domestic biofuel production, and lower carbon emissions. However, the proposed protest highlights the continuing political debate over the policy's implementation, consumer impact, and long-term economic implications.
